Charlton 2 Fulham 1

JEROME THOMAS received a standing ovation from The Valley crowd after his performance inspired Charlton to victory over Fulham and to seventh in the Premiership.

The young winger was substituted three minutes from time on Monday night after proving himself a tantalising crowd pleaser as he tormented the visitors to the delight of the Addicks fans in front of a television audience of millions.

His goal, struck low past goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar after a mistake by Liam Rosenior, served to settle the Addicks, who dominated the early exchanges without ever looking convincing in front of goal.

The second half proved a different affair. Whatever Fulham manager Chris Coleman said to his players at half-time drew the desired response as his side resumed in a more confident frame of mind and goalkeeper Dean Kiely did well to finger-tip over a drive from Rosenior.

Charlton made a swift response with Van Der Sar tipping away a shot from Talal El Karkouri after Hermann Hreidarsson had headed the ball on.

Danny Murphy, who has put an uncertain start to life at The Valley behind him, was out of luck in the 61st minute with a shot that beat Van Der Sar but struck a post after weaving his way through the visitors’ defence.

Fulham's respite was brief as five minutes later Charlton increased their lead when the outstanding El Karkouri advanced to meet Murphy's free kick and head his second goal of the season.

Substitute Tomasz Radzinksi subjected the home fans to a tense finale by pulling back a goal in the 82nd minute, but an equaliser was too much to ask.

Charlton: Kiely, Young, El Karkouri, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Kishishev, Holland, Murphy, Rommedahl (Konchesky 83), Thomas (Euell 87), Barlett (Jeffers 77). Subs Not Used: Andersen, Hughes.

Attendance: 26,128.